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Cloning the King
Previously published as A Bolt from the Blue by Timothy B. Brown
Lisa and Tom Duffield are university professors whose careers are rocketing in different directions. Lisa, under the guidance of her mentor Jeff Wolf, is a rising star in the field of genetics, while her husband Tom is rapidly becoming the scapegoat for all the History Department’s woes. Their inability to conceive a child stresses their marriage further.When Lisa discovers a means to revitalize dead human cells, her career is made, but the excitement of her discovery is shattered by Wolf’s sudden death. Lisa devises a bold plan—to use a surrogate mother to clone her dead mentor.
When Tom learns of the plan, he’s furious. He’s not averse to fatherhood, but he despised Wolf. He decides to replace Wolf’s DNA sample with genetic material collected from the arrow which killed King Richard the Lionheart. The surrogate, a postdoctoral student, has placed her trust in the Duffields, who tell her the DNA has come from commercial bio-stock.
Three people, each convinced they know the source of the growing baby’s DNA.
They’re all wrong.
The true nature of the child will trigger events no one can foresee—for good or ill.
Lisa and Tom Duffield are university professors whose careers are rocketing in different directions. Lisa, under the guidance of her mentor Jeff Wolf, is a rising star in the field of genetics, while her husband Tom is rapidly becoming the scapegoat for all the History Department’s woes. Their inability to conceive a child stresses their marriage further.When Lisa discovers a means to revitalize dead human cells, her career is made, but the excitement of her discovery is shattered by Wolf’s sudden death. Lisa devises a bold plan—to use a surrogate mother to clone her dead mentor.
When Tom learns of the plan, he’s furious. He’s not averse to fatherhood, but he despised Wolf. He decides to replace Wolf’s DNA sample with genetic material collected from the arrow which killed King Richard the Lionheart. The surrogate, a postdoctoral student, has placed her trust in the Duffields, who tell her the DNA has come from commercial bio-stock.
Three people, each convinced they know the source of the growing baby’s DNA.
They’re all wrong.
The true nature of the child will trigger events no one can foresee—for good or ill.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2024
50 people are currently reading
7519 people want to read
About the author
Timothy B. Brown
2 books38 followersTimothy B. Brown grew up in New Hampshire and earned his bachelor’s degree at Cornell University. He then served as a US naval officer before returning to Ithaca to earn his MBA. Now after nearly thirty years in the business world, he is retired from full-time work and living in Northern California. As an avid traveler and history buff, Brown has lived in England, Germany, Czechia and Singapore, and has visited over forty countries on six continents.
He met his wife of thirty-six years as an undergrad and she later earned a PhD in genetics, allowing her to advise Brown on the science in Cloning the King. They have two adult children.
He met his wife of thirty-six years as an undergrad and she later earned a PhD in genetics, allowing her to advise Brown on the science in Cloning the King. They have two adult children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
March 10, 2025
If you choose to read this novel think about the significance of the title and the names of the PA and country doctor who help Megan.
Timothy B. Brown has written a suspenseful thriller, scientific, historical fiction novel that is full of subterfuge. Every character has kept secrets and told lies all for the sake of his or her own agenda.
This novel was originally published under the title of A Bolt from the Blue. Published January 2024. I received a free copy of this novel and I am leaving my honest review.
This has become one of a few novels that I have awarded a five star review. The author had developed a character driven novel that lead the reader to like and dislike the same characters. The position of each character is well defined, allowing the reader to see both sides of each dilemma even when the characters were not able to do so.
The idea of cloning can be a divisive debate. When it comes to the possibility of cloning a historically famous person, one who positively changed the world, does the debate die down? This and several questions face the reader throughout the novel.
Timothy B. Brown has written a suspenseful thriller, scientific, historical fiction novel that is full of subterfuge. Every character has kept secrets and told lies all for the sake of his or her own agenda.
This novel was originally published under the title of A Bolt from the Blue. Published January 2024. I received a free copy of this novel and I am leaving my honest review.
This has become one of a few novels that I have awarded a five star review. The author had developed a character driven novel that lead the reader to like and dislike the same characters. The position of each character is well defined, allowing the reader to see both sides of each dilemma even when the characters were not able to do so.
The idea of cloning can be a divisive debate. When it comes to the possibility of cloning a historically famous person, one who positively changed the world, does the debate die down? This and several questions face the reader throughout the novel.
February 6, 2026
Should’ve DNF’ed. Sorry. By the end I hated everyone and the story was so convoluted I couldn’t help but skip so many pages begging for it to be over. The premise was really cool but it literally derailed in a way I never expected.
June 1, 2024
The story got a bit convoluted to be honest toward the third and fourth acts, but it was an intriguing read and I have no shame in admitting, even with all the now so obvious clues, I didn't realize who the king was going to be.
This book is not advertised as the start of a series, but by the way it ends you can definetley tell the authors hope is that this book gains traction and he will get the green light to continue the story.
It was a very unique and interesting story. It perhaps leaned to heavy "into the science" at times, but that didn't necessarily detract from the story, just the momentum of it.
Plot points, potential spoilers
A genius researcher has unlocked the clue to cloning! But about the researcher, she is married to a history professor and is desperate to have a baby she finds out she can't carry. In her pursuit of proving the effectiveness of her revolutionary scientific breakthrough, and fulfilling her own desire to have a baby, she convinces a post doctorate who somewhat idolizes her to act as a surrogate, and prove the legitimacy of her research, by carrying a cloned embryo that will become her and her husband's baby. Through a series of convoluted events who the baby is becomes confused and the possible truth they realize seems VERY impossible. Who is this baby, and what does their birth mean?
My big qualm is it is just all SO convuluted!!! I know I've used that word repeatedly in this review, but I can think of no other. The way things unravel. The reveal to the public of the potential identity of the clone baby. The way the revealer came to his conclusions. . .just yo many leaps and it feels like one shoukd not land but in this book they all do. I think for me, the big rating drop came from the INSANE leaps the reporter made and everyone's quickness to believe him and for it to become national news. The author obviously wanted a conflict to further his story and damned if he didn't make one!
It was not a bad book, just some of the plot line stretched too far. If a seemingly inevitable second book came out, I dont even know if I'd remember this story enough to seek it out, however, had it already been out, I probably would have.
This book is not advertised as the start of a series, but by the way it ends you can definetley tell the authors hope is that this book gains traction and he will get the green light to continue the story.
It was a very unique and interesting story. It perhaps leaned to heavy "into the science" at times, but that didn't necessarily detract from the story, just the momentum of it.
Plot points, potential spoilers
A genius researcher has unlocked the clue to cloning! But about the researcher, she is married to a history professor and is desperate to have a baby she finds out she can't carry. In her pursuit of proving the effectiveness of her revolutionary scientific breakthrough, and fulfilling her own desire to have a baby, she convinces a post doctorate who somewhat idolizes her to act as a surrogate, and prove the legitimacy of her research, by carrying a cloned embryo that will become her and her husband's baby. Through a series of convoluted events who the baby is becomes confused and the possible truth they realize seems VERY impossible. Who is this baby, and what does their birth mean?
My big qualm is it is just all SO convuluted!!! I know I've used that word repeatedly in this review, but I can think of no other. The way things unravel. The reveal to the public of the potential identity of the clone baby. The way the revealer came to his conclusions. . .just yo many leaps and it feels like one shoukd not land but in this book they all do. I think for me, the big rating drop came from the INSANE leaps the reporter made and everyone's quickness to believe him and for it to become national news. The author obviously wanted a conflict to further his story and damned if he didn't make one!
It was not a bad book, just some of the plot line stretched too far. If a seemingly inevitable second book came out, I dont even know if I'd remember this story enough to seek it out, however, had it already been out, I probably would have.
June 5, 2025
I have to say this is one of the most original premises of a book I’ve encountered in awhile - truly haven’t read anything like it. It’s right on the edge of being too far-fetched and some of the details could have been a bit less literal, but I found it interesting and would read a sequel regardless.
February 7, 2026
Unique concept, I was quickly drawn in by the science and genetics. The historical features and details were interesting. In this story, every character had a pivotal role to play and it very well executed. It had me guessing as to what will happen next. The only downfall was the ending… but what happens next? I don’t like cliff hangers, I want to know the whole story.
February 27, 2024
Clone this book to give us a sequel!
I really loved this book. The writing is effortless, the pace is snappy, especially once we hit act 2, and the characters are so well-defined. The characters' obsessions move the story forward, and the story sweeps you along as it rushes forth. There were quite a few surprises and one that gave me the chills. The ending is satisfying and no real cliffhangers leave us hanging; nevertheless, I would relish a sequel to this novel. I hope it happens.
I really loved this book. The writing is effortless, the pace is snappy, especially once we hit act 2, and the characters are so well-defined. The characters' obsessions move the story forward, and the story sweeps you along as it rushes forth. There were quite a few surprises and one that gave me the chills. The ending is satisfying and no real cliffhangers leave us hanging; nevertheless, I would relish a sequel to this novel. I hope it happens.
July 22, 2025
Wasn’t sure I wanted to finish this at 10% and probably should have trusted my instincts. Literally skimmed through the last hour of the book for disappointing ending.
This book was clearly written by a man. Fatphobic. No evidence of real research on IVF- it was way too easy and pain-free.
I mostly hate plots that only move forward because of miscommunication. The characters sucked and were mostly one dimensional. Had easy motives.
This book was clearly written by a man. Fatphobic. No evidence of real research on IVF- it was way too easy and pain-free.
I mostly hate plots that only move forward because of miscommunication. The characters sucked and were mostly one dimensional. Had easy motives.
December 7, 2024
I got this book from a Goodreads giveaway that I honestly didn't remember entering, it just downloaded to my Kindle and it looked interesting,
It was a lot longer of a novel than I have been reading lately, but it didn't seem that way since it went by very fast once the action got going. The idea that two highly regarded professors who cannot have their own child originally set out to clone the mentor of one of them, only to have the other change the DNA being used to what he thinks is the DNA of King Richard the Loionheart, or is it? Using the womb of a fellow doctoral student/lab assistant, I echo the sentiment of other reviewers that there needs to be a sequel or followup to this novel because, at least in my opinion, the ending is kind of left unfinished, the story isn't finished...we need to know what happens next!
It was a lot longer of a novel than I have been reading lately, but it didn't seem that way since it went by very fast once the action got going. The idea that two highly regarded professors who cannot have their own child originally set out to clone the mentor of one of them, only to have the other change the DNA being used to what he thinks is the DNA of King Richard the Loionheart, or is it? Using the womb of a fellow doctoral student/lab assistant, I echo the sentiment of other reviewers that there needs to be a sequel or followup to this novel because, at least in my opinion, the ending is kind of left unfinished, the story isn't finished...we need to know what happens next!
January 6, 2025
I didn't plan it this way, or necessarily realize it going in, but this was the perfect sci-fi/thriller to read around Christmastime. The story revolves around Lisa and Tom Duffield, both doctorate professors, and the can of worms that's unopened once Lisa realizes she's cracked the code for cloning human DNA.
A miscommunication trope, especially between married couples, is usually an eye-roll for me - it's so overdone and infuriating
THAT BEING SAID I thought Brown did a good job of allowing the reader into the character's heads to see what was motivating their actions. Lisa, Tom, Megan, all felt so human. I always start these books with trepidation that with all the science-y language and lingo, I'll be a lost layman, but as the reader I felt like I was in the lab right there with this cast of characters.
At no point in time did I know where this book was going next, and once the "big twist" is revealed, it was really cool to see the parallels that followed the experiment in the book, and what really happened the "first time around".
Thank you to Goodreads for sending me this copy in exchange for my review!
A miscommunication trope, especially between married couples, is usually an eye-roll for me - it's so overdone and infuriating
THAT BEING SAID I thought Brown did a good job of allowing the reader into the character's heads to see what was motivating their actions. Lisa, Tom, Megan, all felt so human. I always start these books with trepidation that with all the science-y language and lingo, I'll be a lost layman, but as the reader I felt like I was in the lab right there with this cast of characters.
At no point in time did I know where this book was going next, and once the "big twist" is revealed, it was really cool to see the parallels that followed the experiment in the book, and what really happened the "first time around".
Thank you to Goodreads for sending me this copy in exchange for my review!
July 13, 2024
This book completely blew my mind. I am still thinking about it 2 days after I finished it! That makes this a 5⭐️ book, in my opinion.
I do feel like the author went too heavy on the science. I don't think that much detail was needed for this story to unfold. It definitely slows the story down, and I honestly skimmed a lot of that part. I was more interested in the actual storyline.
Despite the unnecessary PHD level science lesson, I really enjoyed this book. The characters were realistic even if what they did doesn't feel that way. I don't know if there will be a sequel, but I feel like there's more story to tell with these characters.
Amazon lists this as "Historical Thriller". I don't normally go for Historical Fiction, but the blurb sounded interesting, so I entered the Goodreads Giveaway for the Kindle version and won! I want to thank both the author, Timothy B. Brown, and Goodreads for the opportunity to read a book I probably would have missed out on without this Giveaway.
I do feel like the author went too heavy on the science. I don't think that much detail was needed for this story to unfold. It definitely slows the story down, and I honestly skimmed a lot of that part. I was more interested in the actual storyline.
Despite the unnecessary PHD level science lesson, I really enjoyed this book. The characters were realistic even if what they did doesn't feel that way. I don't know if there will be a sequel, but I feel like there's more story to tell with these characters.
Amazon lists this as "Historical Thriller". I don't normally go for Historical Fiction, but the blurb sounded interesting, so I entered the Goodreads Giveaway for the Kindle version and won! I want to thank both the author, Timothy B. Brown, and Goodreads for the opportunity to read a book I probably would have missed out on without this Giveaway.
October 26, 2024
Hidden Gem
I received this book as a giveaway on Goodreads. It is such a good book. I'm hoping that it is the beginning of a series because I plan on buying the rest of the books. I have no clue why this book isn't more well known. It is amazing! This book combines science and history and makes them more palatable to the average reader. It is challenging to describe this book without giving away all of the twists and turns. No matter what genre you read you will like this book.
I received this book as a giveaway on Goodreads. It is such a good book. I'm hoping that it is the beginning of a series because I plan on buying the rest of the books. I have no clue why this book isn't more well known. It is amazing! This book combines science and history and makes them more palatable to the average reader. It is challenging to describe this book without giving away all of the twists and turns. No matter what genre you read you will like this book.
May 29, 2025
Cloning the King is a gripping blend of historical fiction and modern day ethical dilemmas that keeps readers hooked until the very end. The pacing is excellent, with moments of quiet reflection punctuated with heart-pounding action. As a Cornell alum, it was especially meaningful to envision the campus scenes, which Tim Brown has vividly brought to life. Whether you’re a fan of historical dramas, science thrillers, or simply a great story, Cloning the King delivers on all fronts. Highly recommended!
June 5, 2025
Cloning the King reads like Jurassic Park gate-crashing a Renaissance fair—and yes, the popcorn machine definitely explodes. Timothy B. Brown zips through bio-ethics, marriage mayhem, and sword-swinging chaos with prose set to “PCR on espresso.” The science lands, the jokes land harder, and the pacing never drops below warp speed. By the last page you’ll be pricing trebuchets on eBay and side-eyeing every ancestry kit in your closet. Verdict: smart, fast, and hilariously unhinged. Long live the clone!
May 2, 2025
I received this book as an advanced readers copy. I was super busy at first and didn’t have much time to read so it took me a while to finish. The story line was very interesting. I was afraid it was going to be science fiction but it was not really. Very well written I think. I wasn’t crazy about the ending because I really like an ending without questions. But even though the ending wasn’t what I expected I really enjoyed the book and will look forward to more books by this author.
June 13, 2025
CTK is a true page-turner with thrilling twists that leave the reader floored and hungry for more. It features a uniquely creative plot full of action but also deep character development. History and science buffs will definitely appreciate Timothy's immersion into the well-researched and entertaining details. His pacing is excellent and the story as a whole slowly crescendoes into a gripping finish. The world needs a sequel!
Want to read
December 28, 2025I’m grateful to Goodreads and Timothy B. Brown for my being selected to win a kindle copy of “Cloning the King”. I think I may need to revisit this book in the new year! The concept is really interesting. I’m just not making any headway currently but I look forward to giving it another shot in the future!
May 19, 2024
Loved this book
Please, is there going to be a part 2...or even a series. I kept updating my husband on the book as I read it ( he's not a book reader) and he was so interested! And he would like more too!
Please, is there going to be a part 2...or even a series. I kept updating my husband on the book as I read it ( he's not a book reader) and he was so interested! And he would like more too!
June 4, 2024
This book took me by surprise. I thought it was going to be technical from the description. However, it was an easy read with a surprising concept and a big twist. More of an "Opps, what did I do?" kind of twist. I enjoyed this book a lot.
July 2, 2024
I did not love this book. I could never get into the story, and I had the "ending" figured out almost immediately. Part of me is curious if there will be a book 2 and how the story will continue. Just because I am curious, I can see myself reading the next book..if there is one.
November 22, 2024
I just happened to win a copy of this book for my kindle in a random Goodreads giveaway and I’m glad I did! This isn’t my usually subject but I enjoyed it a lot. Some parts did feel like they dragged on but I still ate it up lol I’d love to read a continuation of this story!
February 19, 2025
This book was honestly not awful (although I hated the miscommunication and misleading between all of the characters), but the ending was so abrupt that it ruined it all for me. It was also entirely too long and I felt like the story had to wrap up quickly, so the ending was rushed and so random.
April 12, 2025
Book could be a bit heavy for folks struggling with infertility or loss.
I found the plot of the book was incredibly interesting but Lisa was such a smart woman and her husband was such a narcissistic “my wife is more successful than I am” whiner. His parts were a bit hard to read.
I found the plot of the book was incredibly interesting but Lisa was such a smart woman and her husband was such a narcissistic “my wife is more successful than I am” whiner. His parts were a bit hard to read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2024
Such an interesting storyline. Not once was I bored while reading this. I had to know what was going to happen next. This book is underrated.
September 14, 2024
Unlike Anything Else I’ve Ever Read
Without giving away any spoilers, this was a completely unique storyline. The husband got on my nerves throughout, but he was really smart.
Without giving away any spoilers, this was a completely unique storyline. The husband got on my nerves throughout, but he was really smart.
September 26, 2024
This book has me still thinking about it days later. It kept me entertained at every page!
October 17, 2024
Hope there is a sequel
I enjoyed reading this book. I hope there is a sequel. I liked the characters and the story was easy to follow.
I enjoyed reading this book. I hope there is a sequel. I liked the characters and the story was easy to follow.
December 11, 2024
I loved this book. At times it felt a bit too "Science Heavy", but overall I really enjoyed the ride and it left me hoping for a sequel.
July 20, 2025
Exciting action science fiction
Really enjoyed this book. Was the first book I’ve read in a long time that kept me reading past my bedtime! A lot of interesting cloning biology.
Really enjoyed this book. Was the first book I’ve read in a long time that kept me reading past my bedtime! A lot of interesting cloning biology.
September 4, 2025
I ate the first half up. The 3rd and fourth quarters I felt like it lost me but it was entertaining.
September 8, 2025
Fun idea that was poorly executed. Characters were unsympathetic and unbelievable, too many in-depth details that dragged the story along and the plot became ridiculous and unbelievable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews